Autry Now Top Rusher Ever At Nu

Gritty 4th-quarter Effort Secures Win For Wildcats

October 13, 1996|By Andrew Gottesman, Tribune Staff Writer.

For Darnell Autry, who has about as much affection for individual statistics as he does for losing, it was a grand gesture. After breaking Northwestern's all-time rushing mark Saturday, Autry acknowledged the crowd's cheers with a quick wave.

Autry's 41 carries in Northwestern's 26-24 victory over Minnesota tied a career high. His 189 yards were a season high, and enough to give him 3,210 in three seasons--eclipsing Dennis Lundy's 3,062 from 1991 to 1994.

It also marked Autry's 19th consecutive game with more than 100 yards rushing. It did not come easily.

Minnesota stacked the line and contained Autry on many carries. On one of the game's most important drives, however, Autry's grit may have given Northwestern just enough to win.

Midway through the fourth quarter, Minnesota had closed to within two points--and had momentum. The Wildcats needed a big, long drive.